PEG-8 stearate Not rated New ingredients No known benefits PEG-8 stearate at a glance An emulsifier and cleansing agent made from stearic acid Improves product stability Often used in blends with fatty alcohols and acids May be synthetic or animal-derived PEG-8 stearate description PEG-8 stearate is the polyethylene glycol (that’s what “PEG” stands for) ester of stearic acid, a fatty acid made synthetically or derived from animals. It’s used in cosmetics for its cleansing (surfactant) and emulsifying properties. Usage levels of PEG-8 stearate in cosmetics range from 1–15%, depending on formulary needs. It is considered safe as used in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. Related ingredients: PEG Ester